Fintel Services has announced the appointment of Christine Newell as head of the Financial Intermediary Broker Association (Fiba) and mortgage training officer.

Newell has over 20 years’ experience within the intermediary market, at both lenders and distributors, with roles including lender and adviser relationship management, compliance training, and product development.

In her role, she will report to Martin Reynolds, chair of Fiba and chief executive of Simplybiz Mortgages and the recently launched Omni Mortgage Club.

Newell will lead the strategic direction of the trade body as it continues to provide support to advisers within the specialist property finance sector, building on both its training academy and specialist property finance panel.

In the newly created position, she will work with Fiba members and lender partners, both directly and through its regular committees.

Her role will also encompass business and technical training opportunities within the newly launched Omni Mortgage Club, working alongside the current senior management team.

Commenting on the appointment, Reynolds says: “The team is very excited to have someone of Christine’s calibre joining. Her wealth of experience and depth of knowledge across all markets will add another dimension to the support we provide.”

“Both Fiba and the specialist property finance market overall have made great strides in the past few years, and this appointment allows us to push that development forward much more quickly. Christine’s technical knowledge and love of training also align to our growth plans for the Omni Mortgage Club.”

Newell comments: “I am genuinely excited to be joining Fintel and leading Fiba at a time when the specialist lending sector continues to grow in importance and opportunity.”

“Having spent many years supporting advisers and firms across the mortgage market, training, and helping brokers develop their knowledge has always been one of the most rewarding parts of my career.”

“Fiba already plays an important role within the specialist finance community, and I am looking forward to working closely with members, lenders and the wider team to help build on that success.”

She adds: “I am also really looking forward to supporting the continued development of Omni Mortgage Club and contributing to the ambitious plans Martin and the team have for the future.“